By Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-’Uthaymeen may Allah have mercy on him

Question: What is the ruling of a young man who masturbated during Ramadan, at a time when his desires overpowered him, but he was unaware that [masturbating] breaks fasting?

Answer: The ruling is that there is nothing upon him to do. As we have discussed in the past that nothing breaks the fasting person’s fast until three conditions are met:

1.The person must have knowledge [that this action nullifies fasting]

2.The person has to perform [this nullifier] while remembering that he/she is fasting

3.The person has to perform [this nullifier] out of want [and was not forced]

However, I say that it is obligatory for mankind to be patient in regards to masturbating because it is prohibited [haram] due to Allah’s statement,

“And those who guard their chastity [private parts from illegal sexual acts]. Except from their wives or what their right hands possess, – for then, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” (Surah al-Mu’minun: 5-7)

“O young men! You should marry, for indeed it helps in lowering the gaze and protecting the private parts. Whoever among you is not able to marry, then let him fast, for indeed fasting will diminish his sexual desire.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

If masturbating was permissible then the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would have advised that because it is easier for the slave and pleasure is found in this action, as oppose to fasting where there is difficulty. But the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded fasting, and this shows that masturbating is not permissible.